Sacramento CA. – In response to expected night temperatures in the lower 30s over the next three to four evenings, the City and County of Sacramento, coordinated by the County Office of Emergency Services, are opening a nighttime warming center for residents to get out of the cold. The criteria for this response, according to the County/City Severe Weather Guide, are extreme cold/freeze warnings for three days accompanied by night temperatures of 32 degrees or less.

The Center will open tonight, Tuesday night, December 30, at 8 p.m., and stay open until 6 a.m. It is expected to open through Friday night, Saturday morning, depending on weather conditions. If temperatures begin to rise, the centers will close. The situation will be monitored and updates given daily.

Warming Center Location

The location of the warming center is the Southside Park– 2107 6th Street, Sacramento, CA. The seating capacity is approximately 50 people. Snacks and chairs will be provided; however there will be no beds provided.

If the center reaches capacity, backup facilities are being arranged. Staffing will be provided by the Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Human Assistance, City Parks & Recreation and Medical Reserve Corp and Hands On volunteers. Security will be provided by Sacramento City Police Department.

City Animal Services will supply 10 kennels for larger dogs, and small carriers for smaller animals. There will be an area for pets, and animals of the people using the warming center will not be transferred to City Animal Services

Services to Homeless: Complete information can be accessed by contacting 2-1-1.

The Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance will make motel vouchers and bus passes available for homeless families and individuals to get in out of the cold. They will be distributed through County social workers and the City Policy Department’s Impact Team. Vouchers will be available at 4:30 pm today.

Helpful Numbers:

City of Sacramento: For localized street flooding, downed trees or branches in the roadway, City residents should call: 3-1-1 or 916/264-5011.

Other Information: For life threatening emergencies, contact 911. For electrical power outages in Sacramento County contact SMUD at 1-888-456-7683 or PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

County residents can call 2-1-1 OR 916-875-5656 for more information. Residents of the City of Sacramento can call 3-1-1 or 916/264-5011. County residents can call 3-1-1 or 916/875-4311. Detailed information on emergencies is available on line at www.sacramentoready.org.

What You Can Do:

Loved Ones:Check on your family, neighbors and seniors, especially those living aloneMake sure your pets are secure and safe out of the elements Discuss emergency plans in advance Keep an emergency kit in an easy-access location

Around the House and in Your Car:Clear debris from gutters and downspouts Store outdoor furniture, lawn equipment, decorations properly Secure outdoor plants or cover with blankets or plastic to prevent freezing Learn where your water shutoff valves are in case a pipe bursts Do not bring heating devices in doors that are intended for outdoor use, such as barbecues or other fuel-burning devices Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing Prepare your auto for cold weather Keep extra blankets, food and water in your vehicleDrive safely and slowlyAvoid downed power lines